About this course
Develop in-depth knowledge of electrochemical techniques and battery science on this Electrochemistry and Battery Technologies MSc at the University of Southampton. Discover how electrochemistry is essential to energy, sensors, waste treatment and the electronics industry. You’ll gain plenty of hands-on experience and graduate with a UK master’s degree that will prepare you for a wide range of careers.
Electrochemistry looks at the relationship between electricity and identifiable chemical change. On this course you’ll gain practical experience of electrochemical techniques and their use in sensors, batteries, fuel cells and other technologies.
You’ll also study the principles of electrode reactions and learn the techniques to study electrochemical reactions and battery processes.
You’ll graduate from this course with:
- in-depth knowledge of the use of chemical sciences in research, industry, the economy and the environment
- the skills to plan and carry out experiments, and analyse the results
- the ability to adapt and apply different methods to solve problems
- knowledge of the latest scientific developments in electrochemistry and battery technologies
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Nuria Garcia-Araez, Associate Professor in Electrochemistry. Her research deals with the investigation of the mechanism of battery reactions to guide the development of the next generation of batteries. Read Dr Garcia-Araez's staff profile to find out more about her work.
“I chose to study at Southampton because it is the best place in Europe to study electrochemistry.”
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This full-time course lasts for 12 months, from October to the following September.
You’ll study the taught part of your course over the first 2 semesters (October to June). Each semester includes 12 weeks of study followed by 2 or 3 weeks of exams.
Each semester is made up of a combination of compulsory and optional modules.
The research part of your studies will take place in semester 3, from June to September. This is when you’ll carry out your research and write your research project.
You’ll have regular meetings with your tutor to make sure you’re on track with your project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Battery Materials and Characterisation
This module examines key features of cell design and of materials used in batteries. It links this to a range of techniques that are commonly used to study cell architecture and structure, composition and surface chemistry of battery materials. Emphasis i...
Battery Technologies and their Applications
The development of energy storage technologies plays a critical role in the transition to an environmentally sustainable society and improving people's quality of living. Energy storage technologies are necessary in a variety of very important application...
Chemistry MSc Advanced Research Project
The project involves approximately 600 hours of commitment including 14 weeks of full-time practical-based research work (ca. 450 hours). It commences with literature research and project planning, some of which has been performed in other modules previou...
Introduction to Electrochemistry I
Electrochemistry is a foundation stone for many exciting developments in, for example, chemistry, biology and materials, and it is also central to many technologies essential to modern living. In this course, you will learn about the key fundamental proce...
Introduction to Electrochemistry II
Electrochemistry is an important area of physical science covering many interesting and important topics of current scientific research. For example, it is key to the development of new power sources (batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors) as well as...
Modelling in Electrochemistry
Electrode reactions are inherently complex as they involve interfacial charge transfer, mass transport, many species, different timescales, thermodynamics and kinetics, as well as chemical, material and electrical properties. Furthermore the electron tran...
Scientific writing and presentation skills for Chemistry MSc
This module involves the completion of a literature review in preparation for the student’s MSc dissertation project. The results of the literature review are presented in a written report and in a short oral presentation. To support the preparation of th...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Advanced Physical Chemistry
The course deals with the nature of surfaces, both real and ideal, the energetics of adsorption at surfaces and adsorption isotherms, and the charge distribution at the liquid/solid interface. The kinetics of reactions at interfaces, including the role of...
Advanced Spectroscopy and Applications
Modern spectroscopic techniques underpin a wide range of chemical and biological research as well as serving as a valuable analytical tool. This module will introduce some of the key principles, tools and techniques that govern spectroscopic measurements ...
Chemistry through the Computational Microscope
This module builds on the student’s core understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules to predict their behaviour using state-of-the art computational chemistry methods. This will involve learning how quantum chemistry methods can be used to st...
Principles, Techniques and Energy Applications of Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is an important area of science covering many interesting and important topics of current scientific research. For example, it is key to the development of new power sources (for example new batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors) as ...
X-Ray Diffraction as a Characterisation Method
Students will become familiar with the types of information that x-ray diffraction can provide on the structure of a wide variety of samples. They will gain an understanding of the underlying principles and learn how to apply these to conduct the most app...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures and seminars
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- oral and poster presentations
- research group meetings
- workshops
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- coursework
- written exams
- research project
Dissertation
The research project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and build in-depth knowledge of an aspect of electrochemistry and battery technologies.
You’ll begin your planning in semester 2. With the help of an academic research supervisor, you’ll choose a topic from the taught part of the course to explore in depth.
We’ll ask you to present an overview of your plan to students and panel of academics before the end of semester 2.
You’ll then carry out your research and write your dissertation in semester 3 (June to September). You’ll have regular meetings with a supervisor throughout this period to discuss your progress.
You might be able to carry out some of your research project while on placement, if a suitable placement is available.
Academic Support
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor. We’ll also support you with:
- daily supervision
- regular informal meetings to monitor progress and share ideas
- feedback on performance
Careers
After graduating, you’ll have the knowledge and practical skills to work as an electrochemist in industry or commerce.
You'll also be qualified to work in related areas such as:
- teaching
- medicine
- pharmaceuticals
- science journalism
Alternatively, you’ll be in a great position to continue your researches at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £27,404.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Chemistry.
Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship
Four scholarships offer international students £5,000 off their first year of study of chemistry and chemical engineering at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Find out more about the Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).
This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
